Josh M
Train Attendant
Hi all,
Well, I'm only a bit over 2 weeks from my first cross-country train trip. I've been reading all of the posts in this forum and the FAQ/First-Time Rider Info forum, and it's all been immensely helpful in answering a lot of questions (and giving me info that I wouldn't have even thought of until I was on the train, like tipping the SCA and in the diner, earplugs, etc.). So thank you!
That said, I have a few questions that I haven't seen answered elsewhere around here. (Not to say they aren't, just that I haven't seen them.) Any info on these and anything else I might think of in the next 2 weeks would be appreciated.
1. How many extra pillows can be requested? At home I sleep with a couple, and I assume that the pillows on the train are the thinner hotel-type pillows, so if I can request maybe a couple I'd like to. Otherwise, I'll just leave it at one extra and plan to look for a small travel pillow or some such.
2. Do the SCAs make up the beds in a particular direction, i.e., head toward the back of the train, feet toward the front? Or is it just random? I don't want to seem like a pest to the SCA asking "oh, can you make up my bed in a particular way," but if I ride "backwards" I have issues with motion sickness.
3. What is the meal situation like if the train runs very late? Will it be full meals in the dining car, or do they get food at a station, or are we just stuck with whatever is available in the lounge. Example: CZ is supposed to arrive in EMY at 4:10, before the dinner hour so no dinner on the train. But if the train happens to run more than a couple hours late, putting the arrival well past dinner time, how do they usually handle it? I have to take a prescription with a meal at the same time every day, hence the concern.
4. Is the shower in the sleeper always available, or is it limited to certain hours of operation? When is it usually busiest in the morning, before or after breakfast?
5. Are the plugs in the roomettes 2-prong or 3-prong? (Also, where does one buy a travel-size power strip?! I have been looking at several stores here in MI and all I can find are standard-size, 6-outlet power strips.)
Thanks again ahead of time for any info! If I think of anything else, I'll tack it on as a reply comment.
Well, I'm only a bit over 2 weeks from my first cross-country train trip. I've been reading all of the posts in this forum and the FAQ/First-Time Rider Info forum, and it's all been immensely helpful in answering a lot of questions (and giving me info that I wouldn't have even thought of until I was on the train, like tipping the SCA and in the diner, earplugs, etc.). So thank you!
That said, I have a few questions that I haven't seen answered elsewhere around here. (Not to say they aren't, just that I haven't seen them.) Any info on these and anything else I might think of in the next 2 weeks would be appreciated.
1. How many extra pillows can be requested? At home I sleep with a couple, and I assume that the pillows on the train are the thinner hotel-type pillows, so if I can request maybe a couple I'd like to. Otherwise, I'll just leave it at one extra and plan to look for a small travel pillow or some such.
2. Do the SCAs make up the beds in a particular direction, i.e., head toward the back of the train, feet toward the front? Or is it just random? I don't want to seem like a pest to the SCA asking "oh, can you make up my bed in a particular way," but if I ride "backwards" I have issues with motion sickness.
3. What is the meal situation like if the train runs very late? Will it be full meals in the dining car, or do they get food at a station, or are we just stuck with whatever is available in the lounge. Example: CZ is supposed to arrive in EMY at 4:10, before the dinner hour so no dinner on the train. But if the train happens to run more than a couple hours late, putting the arrival well past dinner time, how do they usually handle it? I have to take a prescription with a meal at the same time every day, hence the concern.
4. Is the shower in the sleeper always available, or is it limited to certain hours of operation? When is it usually busiest in the morning, before or after breakfast?
5. Are the plugs in the roomettes 2-prong or 3-prong? (Also, where does one buy a travel-size power strip?! I have been looking at several stores here in MI and all I can find are standard-size, 6-outlet power strips.)
Thanks again ahead of time for any info! If I think of anything else, I'll tack it on as a reply comment.